Physics Section 12 - Optics

Optics in Physics - Table of Contents

In this Optics section of Physics we cover the topics listed in the table below, each topic has a written tutorial (which you can read on your screen, print to read or use a web reader), a video tutorial, revision notes, revision questions and supporting calculators which allow you to check your own computations and calculations.

Optics Snapshot

In this section, light features including propagation of light, electric and magnetic vectors, speed, visible spectrum, media of propagation, shadows, umbra and penumbra are explained. Then, the section continues with elements of physical optics like reflection (regular and diffuse) and refraction including specific concepts like critical angle, index of refraction and total internal reflection accompanied with the corresponding laws. Then, concepts pertaining to physical optics such as interference, diffraction, polarization and dispersion of light are explained in detail. Towards the end of section you will encounter more advanced concepts like the Doppler Effect and elements of geometrical optics such as reflection in plane and curved mirrors, converging and diverging lenses, etc. The last topic included in this section discusses the power of lensed and human eye as a natural lens.

Optics Calculators

In addition to the Optics tutorials, we also provide online Optics Calculators which allow you to calculate specific Optics formula in support of the tutorials or to check and verify your own calculations in support of your homework, coursework or thesis.

The following Physics Calculators are provided in support of the Optics tutorials.

• Image Position And Magnification In Curved Mirrors And Lenses Calculator
• Intensity Of Polarized Light Calculator
• Optical Power Calculator
• Angle Of Refraction Calculator
• The Doppler Effect In Light Waves Calculator
• The Doppler Effect In Sound Waves Calculator
• Wavelength Of Monochromatic Light Calculator